So the kids have been writing essays, working on structure, giving great supports for their answers. But how do we teach them to write a good ending? Most teachers show kids how to restate their openings, which isn't a bad idea, but it's not always easy for kids to restate. Most of the time they think, "I already said it! Do I really have to say it again?" And they can't find the words to actually make an ending sound a little different than an opening. What to do?

Teach some smart-sounding ending phrases. Teach kids to be reflective, like this..."I used to think...but now I believe..." Or how about this for an ending: "Some people say...but I think..." An easy one is, "All in all..." Or: "What I'm really trying to say is..." Or: "The important thing to remember is..." Or: "What makes the most sense to me..." Or: "The thing to keep in mind..."

Teach kids to play around with these endings, listening for the one that sounds best and makes the most sense in their essay, and coming up with other interesting ending phrases. Then post the phrases on sentence strips on the wall.